Define FOOD

What’s the question? Is this Food 101?

No. But it is ‘Life 101′ that encompasses all of the ways that food gets defined.

Food means reward when the promotion is announced, the job is claimed, the victory declared. Pop the cork. Call for reservations. The celebration is on!

Food means sympathy when all is lost, the raise, the prize, the race. Another gallon of ice cream please, and throw in some of those chocolate cookies.

Food means escape when it’s Friday and it has been the longest week in history. Let’s go out and eat now!

Food means tension release. What a meeting, what a schedule — time for another glass of wine and a really nice dinner.

Food means habit or boredom. A favourite show is on, and there’s a bag of chips within easy reach.

On the good side…

Food means energy when you are eating right and feeling great. Fruits, vegetables, lots of water, tea and fresh juices all fit right in with a regular schedule of walking, swimming, biking, Tai Chi or Yoga. You are treating your body well and life is good.

Food means happiness, sharing a meal with loved ones. You have cooked all day and it smells heavenly.

Food means maintenance when the hairdresser or barber says you must be eating your veggies. (They can tell by the feel of your hair).

Food means contentment when you have fixed your friend’s favourite dish and you linger at the table, sharing the day.

Food means holidays with all of the favourite recipes and stories shared about times that have gone before.

Food means expression with the kitchen becoming your palette.

Perhaps now is the time to simply define food as fresh fuel for the mind and body, to be enjoyed and shared.

Menus are best with prime choices, everything from almonds and blueberries, to wild salmon and walnuts. Calorie overloads and fat landmines can be avoided.

In place of ice cream sympathy there could be a quiet cup of hot tea with reflection on how the next time can be better.

In place of a rich dinner celebration why not enjoy healthy foods in a different setting, a picnic, outing or hike.

In place of tension releases with fatty foods how about a brisk walk, or brief meditation, a basket of fresh fruit or hot popcorn minus the butter.

In place of mindless eating from boredom or habit hide the chips and load the fridge with apples, carrots, yoghurt.

Make it food defined by you for you.

Sandy Schroeder for Third Age.